China Launches Shenzhou-21 with Record 3.5-Hour Docking

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Above: Zhang Hongzhang (L), Zhang Lu (C) and Wu Fei at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center on Oct. 31, 2025. Image copyright: Hector Retamal/AFP/Getty Images

The Spin

Pro-China narrative

China's Shenzhou-21 mission showcases remarkable technological advancement with its record-breaking 3.5-hour autonomous docking capability. It demonstrates China's growing space expertise through enhanced rocket reliability and precision orbital maneuvering. This achievement solidifies China's position as a leading space power with consistent mission success.

Global Times China in Space

Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on X

Anti-China narrative

China's space program is a strategic military buildup disguised as civilian exploration, designed to challenge American space dominance. The rapid development of reusable rockets and orbital infrastructure aims to establish military control over the strategic high ground of space. These capabilities threaten global security by enabling sustained military operations beyond Earth.

The Diplomat Orders and Observations